Key Takeaways:
- Jordan Poole returned from injury to post 22 points as New Orleans ended their seven-game slump with a 143-120 win over Portland
- Bryce McGowens hit all five of his three-pointers and matched his career high with 23 points for the Pelicans
- New Orleans set a franchise record by scoring 86 points in the paint against the Trail Blazers
Match Overview
The New Orleans Pelicans delivered an emphatic response to their recent poor form, producing a 143-120 triumph over the depleted Portland Trail Blazers at home on Thursday night. The victory marks only the second time New Orleans has won since James Borrego was appointed head coach following Willie Green’s departure on 15 November.
Standout Performances
Returning from an 18-game absence due to a left quadriceps injury, Jordan Poole led the Pelicans with 22 points, including a lively 13-point contribution in the first half to set the tone. Trey Murphy III topped the scoring charts with 24 points, while Bryce McGowens was clinical from distance, converting all five of his attempts from beyond the arc en route to equalling his career-best 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting.
DUBS IN THE BLENDER.#Pelicans | @HancockWhitney pic.twitter.com/nMiKSwcb8X
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 12, 2025
New Orleans also enjoyed balanced scoring across the board, with six players reaching double digits. Notably, rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen posted 19 and 17 points, respectively. The Pelicans pounded the interior, setting a new franchise benchmark with 86 points scored in the paint.
| Pelicans Top Scorers | Points |
|---|---|
| Trey Murphy III | 24 |
| Bryce McGowens | 23 |
| Jordan Poole | 22 |
| Jeremiah Fears | 19 |
| Derik Queen | 17 |
Trail Blazers’ Short-Handed Struggle
Portland travelled with only 10 available players and slipped to their sixth defeat in seven outings. Shaedon Sharpe led the way for the Blazers with 21 points, backed up by Sidy Cissoko’s 20-point effort. Jerami Grant and Deni Avdija contributed 16 points each for the visitors.
Notable Incident and Game Flow
New Orleans controlled much of the first half, building a 12-point cushion in the second quarter following a three-pointer from McGowens. However, late in the half, Avdija drew a foul from Herb Jones while attempting a floater, prompting Jones to contest the call and receive two technical fouls. The resulting ejection was the first of Jones’ NBA career. Avdija converted both technical free throws and added one of his standard attempts, trimming the Pelicans’ lead to 70-68 at the break.
Upcoming Fixtures
- Portland Trail Blazers: Host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night
- New Orleans Pelicans: Will travel to face the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night
